Obituaries 05/23/24
Daniel Biegler, 52
Daniel Howard Biegler, age 52, of Hutchinson, formerly of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024, following an injury sustained in a fall at his home.
Daniel was born in Buffalo, MN on July 5, 1971, to Howard and Mary Kay (Rasmussen) Biegler.
He was baptized and confirmed at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo.
He attended Buffalo Senior High School with the class of 1989.
Daniel was formerly employed in commercial roofing by B&B Roofers, and also at Kindal Motors, both of Buffalo.
A Traumatic Brain Injury in 2006 left Daniel unable to work and do many of the things he once was able to do, but he remained passionate about the people and hobbies he loved. He enjoyed woodworking, specially making wooden toys and furniture; he was extremely talented and very meticulous in his craft. He enjoyed refinishing furniture, refurbishing old Tonka Toy Trucks, going to auctions and garage sales, putting puzzles together, and playing the card game “Rummy” with his dad. He loved being outdoors, doing yard work, and spending time with his family and cat, “Sugar.” His greatest joys in life, however, were his children, Blake and Mercedes, and his three grandchildren. He was so proud of all of them, and the mere mention of their names brought a smile to his face, and his eyes lit up. Daniel was a gentle and kind man.
Daniel is survived by his children, son, Blake Biegler (significant other, Sarah), of Prior Lake, and Mercedes (Ryan) Gallagher, of Jacksonville, NC; grandchildren, Grace, Scott, and Azalea Gallagher, of Jacksonville, NC; his parents, Howard and Mary Kay Biegler, of Buffalo; sisters, Kim (Ken) Renner, of Litchfield, Lisa Beckman (significant other, John), of Buffalo, and Karla Biegler, of Buffalo; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He will also be greatly missed by his Hutchinson family.
Daniel was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Loretta Rasmussen, Richard and Ethel Biegler; two infant nieces and an infant nephew.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Daniel Biegler will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Nathaniel Meyers will be the Celebrant.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024, AT THE CHURCH one hour prior to Mass.
Inurnment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Columbarium, followed by a luncheon at the church.
Blake will serve as urn bearer.
Arrangements entrusted by the family to the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Patricia Botzet, 80
Patricia Ann Botzet of Orono, MN, age 80, passed away unexpectantly Monday, May 13, 2024. She was born March 20, 1944, the daughter of William and Ann (Sigmeth) Ludwig. Patricia graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1962. She married Harvey Botzet in November 1962 and raised four children in Buffalo, MN. In 1988, they purchased their home on Lake Miltona in northern MN where they later retired.
Pat is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; son-in-law Burnie Kittock; siblings, Roger Ludwig, William Ludwig, and Judy Rougier.
Pat is survived by her sons, Joe (Audry) Botzet, of St. Louis Park, MN, Rick (Val) Botzet, of Buffalo, MN; daughters, Jackie Kittock, of Delano, MN, and Becky (Shane) Botzet, of Long Lake, MN; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; sibling, Pete (Gwen) Ludwig; and many nieces and nephews.
We will celebrate Harvey and Pat’s life on Sunday, June 2, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Wayzata American Legion, 949 Wayzata Blvd. E, Wayzata, MN 55391.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Wayzata American Legion, Post 118.
William Demarais, 87
William “Bill” Demarais, age 87, of Delano (formerly of Waverly), passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 9:00 A.M. - 10:45 A.M. AT THE CHURCH.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for William “Bill” Demarais will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11.00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. Per the family’s request, no flowers please.
The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com.
Lowell Johnson, 78
Lowell Mark Johnson, age 78, of Buffalo, passed away on April 4, 2024. Born on November 15, 1945, in Golden Valley, Minnesota, Lowell was the cherished son of Paul and Alice (Battig) Johnson.
Lowell attended Benilde High School class of 1963. He was an exceptional wrestler, finishing his high school career with runner-up finish at the state wrestling championship. He later coached a few years for Olympic youth wrestling, sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport with the younger generation. Other life passions and hobbies were waterskiing, fishing, hunting, racing/fixing cars, and competing in horseshoes.
On March 31, 1967, Lowell was joined in marriage to Barbara Lillian Johnsen at St. John’s Catholic Church in Excelsior. They enjoyed building their family with three daughters. In 1977, Lowell and his family moved to Lake Charlotte, where they created countless cherished memories together.
Lowell attended trade school to become a technician. He worked a summer internship with his father at General Mills. Lowell also worked several decades at Knapp Radio and TV in Excelsior, where he later became the owner in 1986 and then retiring around 2009.
He was a social butterfly who effortlessly made friends wherever he went. With his warm personality and genuine kindness, he could have a conversation with anybody. Above all, Lowell was a devoted family man who wholeheartedly supported and cheered on his daughters and grandsons in all their athletic endeavors and events with pride and enthusiasm. His zest for life, adventurous spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family and community will be remembered fondly.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; parents: Paul and Alice; and brother, Thomas.
Lowell is survived by his daughters, Sheila Wells (Brandon), Cheri Lerdon (Court), and Sarah Johnson (Nate Limerick); grandsons, Paul Wells, Thaddeus Wells, and Brody Lerdon; siblings, Kurt Johnson, Kate (Mark) Helling, Susan Johnson, and Theresa (Aram) Nazarian; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
Memorial service will be held Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Vernice Kowalke, 89
Vernice Kowalke, age 89, of rural Buffalo passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at her residence.
Funeral service for Vernice Kowalke will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 11:30 A.M. at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church - Pelican Lake. Visitation will take place AT THE CHURCH beginning at 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
A full obituary will appear in next week’s paper.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo served the family. Online condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
James Norgren, 93
James H. Norgren, age 93, of Annandale, formerly of Buffalo, died Friday, May 17, 2024.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale, with Rev. Todd Nelsen officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
James Henry Norgren was born June 21, 1930, at home in South Haven, Minnesota, to Henry and Hazel (Wadman) Norgren. Jim graduated from Annandale High School. On October 14, 1950, Jim was united in marriage to Sally J. Juliot in Minneapolis. They made their home in New Hope until 1973, when they moved to rural Buffalo. For over 30 years, Jim worked first as a machinist and then as a quality inspector for Pako in Golden Valley. He then was employed by General Mills for 10 years, retiring in 1995.
Jim found solace and joy in nature and craftsmanship. He reveled in the great outdoors, spending quality time with his family camping, tending to his gardens, and traveling to explore new destinations. His skillful hands were often seen restoring cars and tractors, showcasing his passion for woodworking and mechanical tinkering.
He is survived by his sons, Jim (Judy), of Brooklyn Park, and Tim (Rosemary), of Annandale; grandchildren, Jessie (Joe) Larson, Jason, Josh, and Trent (Kaitlyn) Norgren, Kendra (Dylan) Kotilinek, and Rilee Norgren; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Kaylee, Beau, and Peyton; special family member, Rick Ryan; and nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sally; daughter, Bonnie; and siblings, Marie Anderson, Lois Erickson, and Douglas Norgren.
Jim’s grandchildren will serve as casket bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
Kenneth Ogden, 76
Kenneth James Ogden (1947 - 2024)
Kenneth James Ogden, 76, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2024.
Ken was born in Fargo, North Dakota, to William and Helen Ogden. After graduating from Richfield High School in Minnesota, he served in the Army Reserves during the 1960s and 70s. He graduated from Business School at the University of Minnesota and went on to get his CPCU and CIC.
Right out of college, he worked for his father’s business Whamco. After managing the Oakley National Investors Group at Oakley National Bank, he purchased it, which then became the Insurance Center of Buffalo. Ken married Lynn and they settled in Buffalo for over 50 years.
Ken left a significant mark on his community through his service. He served as president of multiple organizations, including the Jaycees, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Dean Lake Association, and the Church Council and Building Committee. Additionally, he chaired the Rodeo Committee, Blue Ribbon City Committee, Toys for Tots, and was a board member of Generations Day Care. He also served on the Buffalo School Board for over a decade.
Two of Ken’s greatest passions were coaching and mentoring. For over 30 years, he coached elementary through 10th-grade football, instilling teamwork and personal growth in his players. He also created a lasting middle school mentoring program that continues to this day.
Ken’s joy for life was contagious. He would begin each day in song as he hopped out of bed. He knew the lyrics to almost every tune. His sense of humor and love of spreading knowledge made friends with almost everyone he met. He was a master angler, cherishing annual Canadian fishing trips with friends for 34 years. A summer wouldn’t be complete without golf, where he proudly achieved two* holes-in-one (one he refused to count since he hit it from the wrong tee box).
Ken and Lynn were happily married for nearly 56 years. An avid reader, he devoured World War II history and science fiction. Ken ate his way through the world loving to experiment eating and cooking all kinds of foods. His evenings were best spent with family and friends, gathered around a bonfire, a glass of scotch in hand, singing his favorite songs.
Ken is survived by his wife, Lynn; children, Pat, Matt (Jessie), and Sarah; grandchildren, Gavin, Logan, and Kai; siblings, Cheryl, Bill, (dec. John), (dec. Keith), Kathy, Pat, Tony, Tom, Mary, and Lloyd; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo on June 5 at 1:00 P.M. with a Memorial service at 3:00 P.M. Reception to follow at Huikko’s Event Center.
Donations can be made to the Ken Ogden Scholarship Fund at BHS.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Anna Sundman, 41
Anna Linnea Sundman, age 41, passed away on May 14, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on October 31, 1982, the daughter of John and Cheryl Sundman. She graduated with the Class of 2001 at Buffalo High School and was able to attend North Park University in Chicago for one year. But the challenges of chronic illness took a toll on her life for many years.
She loved art; music; children (especially her nephews and nieces); her pups, Polo and KoCo; her friends, her family, and Jesus!
Anna is survived by her parents, John and Cheryl; brother, Erik (Sarah) Sundman; sister, Maria (Eddie) Pachuau; nephews, Eli and Micah; nieces, Stella, Lucia, and Krista; grandmother, Darlene Samways; and special friends, Nate and Autumn.
She is preceded in death by her grandfathers, Major Chester Sundman and Gerald Kinsman; step-grandfathers, Harold Dahl and Harold Samways; grandmother, Major Ruth Sundman-Dahl; and uncles, Paul and Mark Sundman.
Her family wishes to thank the medical professionals and support staff in Buffalo, and in other places, who cared for Anna for many years. Also thank you to the countless people who loved and prayed for her.
Anna’s family will honor her life privately, and there will be no service.
She came to know Jesus through the ministry of The Salvation Army. Some of her happiest times as a youth were spent at Salvation Army Camps.
Memorials are preferred to: The Salvation Army Northwoods Camp, 60402 Elbow Lake Road, Finlayson, MN 55735.
Herman Wittsack, 91
Herman M. Wittsack, age 91, of Annandale, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale, with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery, rural Annandale. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local VFW.
Herman Marcus Wittsack was born in Cologne, Minnesota, on April 6, 1933, to the late Herman and Catherine (Pfleghaar) Wittsack. He graduated from Central Senior High School in Norwood Young America in 1951. After his schooling, he proudly served in the Army during the Korean War. After his discharge, he embarked on a career in service to the US government. On December 28, 1957, he married Mary Dockweiler in Winona, Minnesota. His career offered him the opportunity to be assigned in both Germany and Hawaii, but the bulk was spent in the Washington, DC area. He retired in 1984. In 1996, he and his wife returned to Minnesota and settled in Annandale. In retirement, they went on multiple cruises all around the world. He enjoyed playing bridge, fishing, cheering for his Minnesota sports teams, and spending time with friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Peter (Judy) Wittsack, Carol (Mark) Steinmetz, Paul (Michelle) Wittsack, and Jeanne (Dale Hansen) DeBord; his grandchildren, Holly Wittsack, Heather Wittsack Barron, Hayley Wittsack, Heidi Wittsack, Laura Wittsack Britt, Kelly DeBord, David Wittsack, Kevin DeBord and Rebecca Steinmetz Bledsoe; and great-grandchildren, Kayla Wittsack, Grace DeBord, Alexander Britt, Blake DeBord, Eleanor Bledsoe, and Teagan DeBord.
Herman’s family will serve as urn bearers. St. Ignatius Music Ministry will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
